A diplomat says the EU's foreign ministers have decided to impose sanctions against officials in Ukraine who are held responsible for the violence there.
The diplomat said the sanctions the ministers unanimously approved Thursday include a travel ban to the 28-nation bloc and freezing the
officials' assets in the EU countries.

The measures are targeted at Ukrainian officials blamed for human rights violations that have occurred during the crackdown on the anti-government protests in Ukraine.

The diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity before an official announcement, said the list of names which officials will be targeted has yet to be established.

Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore confirmed the decision.

The diplomat also said ministers agreed the scope of the sanctions will be adjusted according to the developments in Ukraine.